Ventilator weaning

[Helpmepleasesoworried]

Name changed for privacy reasons.

My Dad is currently in ICU - ventilated due to an infection and then pneumonia. I have been advised that while he has improved physically to the degree they would normally attempt extubation by now, he is so agitated and delirious that it wouldn't be safe to do it. They have reduced his propofol and got him on a lighter sedative (demex something) but it isn't enough. They are now trying lorazepam. I know he has become almost zombie like being given this type of medicine in previous situation. I am sick with worry about him getting weaker and weaker while intubated, the chance of another infection and them not being able to resolve the delirium. Has anyone had any similar experiences or any nurses/ doctors got any advice? Please help.

Bump

Not a lot you can do tbh. Nurses and docs on crit care are well used to delirious patients. It's extremely common and there are various medications and strategies to deal with it. Obviously depends what's causing it too.
Dextdor is one medication (think you mentioned it), Clonidine, lorazepam, quetiapine. Sometimes we just have to ride it out and wait til the agitation passes. If they are pulling at lines etc we use padded gloves to make it harder to grip things. Obviously ensure they are not in pain, thirsty, uncomfortable or needing the bedpan. Frequently it can be a combination of critical illness and sleep deprivation too. It's actually worse for the rels as the pt rarely remembers anything ! Just reassure them by being there, gentle words. Look after yourselves and ask questions if concerned ! Most ICUs have patient and relative diaries to help make sense afterwards and designated clinics post icu also with psychologists etc